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| Shards of asbestos were found near the pit Telstra in Morayfield, north of Brisbane. (Photo: archive, taken in December, 2013) (Credit: ABC) |
Between 1945 and 1980, asbestos materials are often used in the construction industry in Australia. Over time, people began to realize that this material is highly toxic, and its use was reduced, until finally banned altogether since December 31, 2003. However, there are still many who are at risk of asbestos-related malignancies, especially construction workers.
Asbestos material is very toxic and can lead to a number of lung diseases, which can be deadly.
Although it has been banned in Australia, there may appear a number of people suffering from lung diseases related to asbestos, especially among construction workers home.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral group made of crystals of very small size and fibrous, including chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. Asbestos is derived from underground.
Some twenty years ago in Australia, asbestos is used for various construction purposes, such as to create a fireproof building, and is also used in the manufacture of roofing.
Asbestos fibers are so small as to be inhaled to enter the lungs. These fibers can then be embedded in the lungs and cause potentially deadly disease, such as shrinking lung and lung cancer mesothelioma.
Thousands of Australians have died from asbestos-related diseases.
The symptoms of lung disease may be visible only after 20-30 years may pass after exposure to asbestos. The most-risk are those exposed to asbestos while working in the mining, manufacturing, and construction. Currently, the most at risk in Australia are those who work demolish the old buildings still contain asbestos.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers can hurt and thicken the lining of the lung pleura. The pleura is injured can also pull fluid into the cavity between the two layers of the pleura.
Pleural disease is not harmful, but may cause difficulty in breathing.
While the disease asbestosis is wound in the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include a dry cough and a bluish hue to the skin, due to lack of oxygen.
Lung cancer is more likely to occur in those who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos. Symptoms include coughing, weight loss and blood in the saliva and phlegm. In general, the sooner the better diagnosed. Lung cancer is still in its early stages can sometimes be treated with surgery.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung lining. A bit of exposure to asbestos can lead to this, but not that exposed to asbestos mesothelioma certainly entailed.
Currently there is no way to cure mesothelioma.
Related to home remodeling, products with asbestos is left undisturbed and intact relatively safe, but dangerous when it is cut, drilled, or sanded, because through such a process can be broken down and the asbestos fibers inhaled. Prior to renovate and demolish the house, it is important to find out which products in the home that contain asbestos.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Bruce Robinson of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Sir Charles Gardener Hospital and Director of the Center of National Asbestos Related Diseases.